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I've got to admit, it's a bit weird to be celebrating an anniversary before an actually launch; you can't exactly say "Happy first birthday!" if it hasn't been born yet! But Landmark found a way to make it work, celebrating Year Zero with fans this past weekend. The sandbox opened its alpha doors on January 31st, 2014; all that players could do at that point was gather and build a bit. Since then, the game has expanded its features, adding more building stuff, water and caves, combat, deeper caverns and mobs to fill them, and still more building stuff. Development has definitely come a long way in the last 12 months, so there is certainly reason to revel in the festivities. Of course there's still much more work to be done, but why not take a moment and party in honor of Landmark's progress. Who doesn't like a party?

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Daybreak-Game-Companyeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookTue, 03 Feb 2015 12:00:00 -0500319|21137312http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/daybreak-no-soe-live-this-year-but-our-games-will-endure/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
What does the transition from SOE to Daybreak Game Company mean for you? Well for starters, if you had set aside money and time to attend SOE Live this year, it's time to change those plans.

Daybreak President John Smedley also posted several follow-ups to the announcement and the ensuing player questions: "1) All our games are still up and will continue to be despite our new name. 2) Yes, we want to bring our games to Xbox One in addition to PS4. 3) Station Cash doesn't change at all (though we will be rebranding it soon here). 4) We're still making Everquest Next. Nothing has changed."

Twitter #1, Twitter #2, Twitter #3, Twitter #4, Twitter #5
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brassedaybreakDaybreak-Game-Companyeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasyjohn-smedleylinda-carlsonplaystation-4ps4sandboxsoesoe-livesony-online-entertainmentxbonexbox-oneMon, 02 Feb 2015 17:30:00 -0500319|21138169http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/02/02/smedley-announces-soe-is-no-more-becomes-daybreak-game-company/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
In a surprising move, CEO John Smedley just announced on Reddit that Sony Online Entertainment is leaving behind its Sony roots and becoming Daybreak Game Company after being acquired by the investment firm Columbus Nova. This change allows the company to publish online games on multiple gaming platforms, including the XBox. Smedley also assured players via Twitter that all of the games in the company's portfolio are staying and will continue to be a part of the new company. Here's the full announcement plastered on the official forums of each of the company's games:

Dear Players, Partners and Friends,

Today, we are pleased to announce that we have been acquired by Columbus Nova, an investment management firm well known for its success with its existing portfolio of technology, media and entertainment focused companies. This means that effective immediately SOE will operate as an independent game development studio where we will continue to focus on creating exceptional online games for players around the world, and now as a multi-platform gaming company. Yes, that means PlayStation and Xbox, mobile and more!

As part of this transition, SOE will now become Daybreak Game Company. This name embodies who we are as an organization, and is a nod to the passion and dedication of our employees and players. It is also representative of our vision to approach each new day as an opportunity to move gaming forward.

So what exactly does this mean for you? It will be business as usual and all SOE games will continue on their current path of development and operation. In fact, we expect to have even more resources available to us as a result of this acquisition. It also means new exciting developments for our existing IP and games as we can now fully embrace the multi-platform world we are living in.

Our games and players are the heart and soul of our organization, and we are committed to maintaining our portfolio of online games and pushing the limits of where we can take online gaming together.

Reddit announcement
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acquisitionclassic-mmoColumbus-NovaconsoleconsolesDaybreak-Game-Companydc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodragondragonsdragons-propheteqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playh1z1housinginfernuminfernum-productionsjohn-smedleymmo-shootermmofpsopen-pvpplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3post-apocpost-apocalypsepsps1ps2ps3pvprunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fishootersmedsoeSOE-is-no-moresonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroeszombiesMon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:00 -0500319|21138057http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/30/betawatch-january-24-30-2015/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/30/betawatch-january-24-30-2015/http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/30/betawatch-january-24-30-2015/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsValiance Online will soon be available on Steam Greenlight, making it the first of the spiritual City of Heroes revivals to make it to that hallowed step. That's right, folks, we were the sacrifice required to save City of Heroes. We would have brought back Star Wars Galaxies too, but you know, it's almost February, and ewoks in cupid wings? No.

The developers of Das Talreleased a new video to explain the game's combat systems while simultaneously adding a variety of new systems for testers to, you know, test.

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albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchborderlandsborderlands-onlinebrianna-royce-betawatchcity-of-heroesclosed-betacohcrowfalldas-taleqneverquest-nextgame-testinglandmarklaunchlaunchesmassively-metaopen-betaotherlandroundupstar-wars-galaxiesswgtestingvaliance-onlineFri, 30 Jan 2015 20:00:00 -0500319|21137252http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/24/norrathian-notebook-five-reasons-to-support-eq-next-and-landmar/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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I like Landmark and am looking forward to EverQuest Next. There, I said it. It should be no surprise. And as such, I certainly have a vested interest in how these games fare throughout their development and launch. I want to see them succeed. But the thing is, so should you -- whether or not you actually want to play them.

Unfortunately, it seems all too fashionable lately for folks to tear something down instead of build it up. So often when I'm following the discussions about EQ Next and Landmark, I hear plenty of reasons why folks don't like the games, and the reasons frequently have nothing to do with the games themselves. Detractors are going on about longstanding gripes and grudges instead of judging the games on their own merits (a practice that the whole world could certainly do without). Amid all the scathing comments I've heard directed at SOE for slights real and imagined, one recently gave me pause and made me reflect on the reasons that supporting these two MMO endeavors is worthwhile.

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classic-mmoeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playl1landmarklineagelineage-1ncsoftnorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookSat, 24 Jan 2015 16:00:00 -0500319|21132526http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/08/norrathian-notebook-frostfells-of-everquests-past-present-an/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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It's the end of that magical time of year: When gigglegibber goblins wrap up their gift-giving and the tinsel, lights, and even the holiday quests get packed up for the year. It's the end of Frostfell 2014 for the EverQuest Franchise; EverQuest's celebration ended yesterday and EverQuest II's ends today. Players will have to wait another 12 months to dive back into the festivities. If we're really lucky, we'll also experience the holiday anew in EverQuest Next come December!

As Frostfell comes to a close, I am left thinking about the holiday and all its trimmings. It's truly a great one. Perhaps one of the most wonderful. What makes it so special each year? And what might it be like in the coming years, especially in EQN? Let's take a look at the history of Frostfell, check out this year's additions, and speculate about the holiday's presence in Next.

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Emily-Tayloreqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq1eq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playFrostfellfrostfell-wonderland-villageJon-Carakerlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 08 Jan 2015 12:00:00 -0500319|21125637http://massively.joystiq.com/2015/01/01/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-two-week-pve-checkup/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Happy New Year! It makes sense to start this new year off by talking about a new game, right? And let's face it, after the fabled PvE content update, Landmark feels like a new game! This massive addition to the core of the sandbox has been live for two weeks now; that means two weeks of spelunking, salvaging, and more often than not, surviving. While it's true we got a preview of the update back on the day, that peek involved neither the cavern system nor crafting. And it certainly didn't contain nearly enough time! So now that I've had the chance to canvass the caverns, play with particle emitters, kills various critters, and concoct some new crafted items, how is it? How are things in the not-just-about-building game doing? Do these new systems offer more staying power as the closed beta continues on? Let's give Landmark its two-week PvE checkup!

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betabeta-testbeta-testingeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentpvepve-checkupPvE-updatesandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebooktestingthe-tattered-notebookThu, 01 Jan 2015 12:00:00 -0500319|21122763http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/betawatch-december-13-19-2014/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/betawatch-december-13-19-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/19/betawatch-december-13-19-2014/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsElite: Dangerous formally launched this week, departing our Betawatch (Gammawatch?) list and flying free into the wilds of the MMO jungle. What else is new in the land of MMO testing?

Landmark's closed beta launched PvE combat this week; SOE says it will shift full-time to working on EverQuest Next in early 2015.

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ad2460albion-onlinealphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchblack-desertbrianna-royce-betawatchcabal-2cabal-iiclosed-betaeliteelite-dangerouseq-nexteverquest-nextgame-testinglandmarklaunchlaunchesmaplestory-2massively-metaopen-betarainbow-sagaroundupshroud-of-the-avatarsiegelordskyforgeskysagasotatestingvaliance-onlineFri, 19 Dec 2014 20:00:00 -0500319|21116400http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/12/17/landmarks-pve-arrives-today-soe-shifts-to-eq-next-full-time-in/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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We've waited a long time for the chance to have our faces eaten off by vicious monsters in Landmark, and now that opportunity is almost here! After a bit of delay, the infamous PvE patch is heading into our favorite sandbox today. This is seriously going to be a game-changer. Of all the patches throughout the whole year, this one is the biggest -- surpassing the August PvP update and even the original alpha launch, at least according to Creative Director Dave Georgeson. And he's not kidding! I got to check out Landmark's new mobs, linking and triggering, armors, props, and more with Georgeson and Senior Producer Terry Michaels. I didn't think it was possible to be even more excited for this patch, but I am! Can I hear a squeeeee?!

Oh, and for everyone who is waiting anxiously for EverQuest Next news, here's a tidbit from Georgeson you might enjoy:

When we get to those game mastering systems [after the start of the year] that means we are working on EQNfull time. Because those are the systems we need for EQN, and that's what we're building when we're building those game mastering tools. So we're so close to transitioning the team almost entirely to EQN, and then we'll take the elements that we build for EQN and port them over into Landmark, but our focus will shift almost entirely to EQN after the new year.

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eqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookWed, 17 Dec 2014 13:00:00 -0500319|21117231http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/29/perfect-ten-mobile-apps-to-enhance-your-mmo-lifestyle/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
We're living in the age of smart phones, when there are more cell phones than there are people on this planet. I can't go anywhere without seeing people constantly whipping out their little rectangular companions for the constant stream of information, social connection, and Candy Crush interludes.

While MMOs aren't making great headway on these devices, in part due to the limited input scheme, several wise studios have made good use of the mobile market to give players a way to keep in touch with their games even while AFK. Today we're going to count down, count up, and count sideways 10 official mobile apps that will enhance your MMO lifestyle.

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activisionandroidappauthenticatorblizzardblizzard-entertainmentconsoleconsolesdust-514entropiaentropia-universeeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-worldsf2pfallen-earthfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playgoogle-authenticatorgoogle-playhumoriosituneslandmarkmmo-appsmobilemobile-appneocomopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenriftrift-mobilerounduprunescapesandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtwo-step-authenticationvirtual-tycoonwarcraftwizard101wizardbloxworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 29 Nov 2014 12:00:00 -0500319|20996754http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/norrathian-notebook-first-impressions-of-eqiis-altar-of-malic/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/norrathian-notebook-first-impressions-of-eqiis-altar-of-malic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/27/norrathian-notebook-first-impressions-of-eqiis-altar-of-malic/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Although Altar of Malice has been available to All Access subscribers for two weeks, EverQuest II's 11th expansion just opened up to everyone on Tuesday. That makes this a great time to share my initial impressions of the new lands and new content. Mind you, these are literally only first impressions: I am not one to blow through the content at a break-neck speed just so I can consume it all in as little time as possible. That's relegated to pecan pie. MMOs aren't a race to me. I prefer to gradually savor the content, stretching it out so the experience lasts. I've actually also been holding myself back from doing too much so I can run through things with those who can finally join me now that the expansion is fully released. I will continue to poke though it at my pace while I continue my other endeavors (do you realize just how long it takes to decorate a house?!). As such, a full review of everything will have to come at a later date.

So what my thoughts as I amble amble my way through the land of the lost... er, jurassic park... I mean, Altar of Malice? EQII's dino-riffic expansion definitely has its highlights, like offering a heaping helping of nostalgia, but it has its disappointments as well. Here's my take.
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altar-of-malicecraftingeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 27 Nov 2014 12:00:00 -0500319|20999074http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/20/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-ai-will-be-a-game-changer/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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It's really hard not to be all giddy and excited about the introduction of AI to Landmark; it's quite literally going to be a game-changer. Some might even argue a game-maker! Only one other feature, combat, comes close to the impact that this system will have on the sandbox. Even then, combat doesn't rival it; it complements it. In truth, it will be an early Christmas present for all those players who've been waiting as patiently as possible for this next step: Monsters are slated to be released into the wild on December 10th. I am sure I mirror the sentiments of many when I say the Storybricks system just can't get here soon enough!

Before you get your hopes up too high, know that this first iteration of the AI system does not include the much-anticipated storytelling features that players will have access to on their personal claims. Those will come in time. But that doesn't diminish the magnitude of what is coming in just a few short weeks. The introduction of mobs will truly be the big bump that makes Landmark an actual MMORPG in the eyes of the world as opposed to "just a building game," an inaccurate description the game's had a hard time shaking. And did I mention, I can't wait?! If you are fairly new to following Landmark, you may not know what all the excitement is about. Let me share that with you.

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bringing-the-game-to-lifedave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarkmobsmosntersnorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstorybricksStorybricks-aitattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 20 Nov 2014 13:00:00 -0500319|20995761http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/11/09/norrathian-notebook-talking-everquest-iis-10th-anniversary-wi/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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The big 1-0. EverQuest II has just joined the ranks of games in their double digits; today marks the 10th anniversary for the fantasy game. And while that's a pretty impressive feat in itself, just growing older isn't all that has happened to EQIIin the past year. There have been plenty of content updates (and a change in how those update occur), holiday celebrations, and major news happenings during the course of the past 12 months.

However, instead of just highlighting the major events and changes of the year in a standard retrospective piece, I'm going to do something a little different this year. On top of wandering down memory lane, I've pulled in Senior Producer Holly Longdale to answer a few questions and address some current concerns on the minds of players. Longdale talks about the high price of both the Altar of Malice Collector's Edition and the new Aerakyn race as well as shares some fun facts about who's been working on the game since the beginning.

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akil-hooperaltar-of-maliceBrandon-McDonaldcontroveryeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playholly-longdaleinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleylandmarkMaria-Del-Casinonew-contentnorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionretrospectiveSmedsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookTim-HeydelaarSun, 09 Nov 2014 14:00:00 -0500319|20989773http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/30/the-think-tank-fixing-the-landmark-eq-next-perception-problem/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
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Not a Landmark post on Massively goes by without at least one commenter essentially telling SOE to talk about EverQuest Next or shut up. Massively's MJ Guthrie, who writes our EverQuest franchise column, has herself explained until she's blue in the face that Landmark is EQ Next's foundation, and SOE has talked plenty about EQ Next independently too, but for some reason, the explanations aren't sticking with the MMO populace, so the same complaints are voiced in every thread.

So what gives? Has SOE been too confusing with the Landmark/EQ Next co-branding? How can SOE dig itself out of this persistent perception problem? That's what I asked Massively's writers in today's Think Tank.

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brianna-royce-ttteditorialeqeq-nexteq-next-landmarkeqneqn-landmarkeqnleverquesteverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkfantasygroup-editoriallandmarkmassively-staffmassively-teamopinionopinionspgcplayer-generated-contentroundtableroundupsandboxsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-think-tankthink-tankThu, 30 Oct 2014 20:00:00 -0400319|20986018http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/betawatch-october-18-24-2014/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/betawatch-october-18-24-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/24/betawatch-october-18-24-2014/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#commentsCamelot Unchained ran a pre-alpha test for backers this past weekend, allowing players to test out character creation and PvP. What else is new in the realm of MMO testing?

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alphaalphasbetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchbrianna-royce-betawatchcamelot-unchainedclosed-betaeverquest-nextgame-testinglandmarklaunchlauncheslife-is-feudallord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromassively-metaopen-betapathfinder-onlineroundupshroud-of-the-avatarsotatestingthe-repopulationtrovewarlords-of-draenorworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 24 Oct 2014 20:00:00 -0400319|20982869http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/norrathian-notebook-remembering-that-landmark-is-in-beta/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/norrathian-notebook-remembering-that-landmark-is-in-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/23/norrathian-notebook-remembering-that-landmark-is-in-beta/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
An interesting thing happened on my way to pay upkeep. It hit me full force that Landmark is indeed in a true beta. I know, I know -- I have said this before. And I know that I know it. Yet sometimes that fact still sneaks up and wallops me in the face! I mean, it's pretty obvious the game is incomplete (hurry to me, AI editor!) and that there are definitely bugs to squash. But for the most part, I have not be too inconvenienced by bugs, so I guess the fact that it's a beta just floated to the back of my mind.

That all changed this past week. I encountered a bug so big that it squashed me. In fact, it was so intense that it effectively prevented me from continuing my gameplay. That's when it hit me: After eight months of playing and enjoying Landmark, I had forgotten that this can actually happen. But it is important to remember, to keep this fact at the forefront of our minds. Why? It's not to be a defensive rallying cry for why something isn't in game/isn't working as intended; it's so we can get the game we want, sooner! How? By doing our job as beta testers.

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eqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThu, 23 Oct 2014 14:00:00 -0400319|20981797http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/everquest-next-video-talks-about-ogres-and-dwarves/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/everquest-next-video-talks-about-ogres-and-dwarves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/22/everquest-next-video-talks-about-ogres-and-dwarves/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
When you talk about basic fantasy races, Dwarves and Ogres are up there as the classics. But which do you find more interesting to learn about in EverQuest Next? The latest episode of the game's Workshop Show is available now; art director Rosie Rappaport and creative director Jeff Butler are joined by lead content designer Steve Danuser to show off the style and lore of both races while players vote over which one should be the next workshop focus.

Dwarves, for their part, are fairly familiar to anyone who has played EverQuest or EverQuest II (or pretty much any fantasy game from 1967 to the present): short, stocky, bearded, ancestral, and traditional. Ogres, meanwhile, have changed a lot, with a renewed developer emphasis on making the race more appealing to players in general whilst offering a wider range of available style options for players. You can watch the full show past the break, but be forewarned: It's a long one.

YouTube
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backstorydesigndwarfdwarveseq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextjeff-butlerlooklorenewsnews-itemsogreogresraceracesrosie-rappaportsoesony-online-entertainmentsteve-danuservideovideosvisualvisualsWed, 22 Oct 2014 10:00:00 -0400319|20982206http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/the-history-of-everquest-next-cliff-notes-version/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/the-history-of-everquest-next-cliff-notes-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/20/the-history-of-everquest-next-cliff-notes-version/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
If there was ever a world with a deep, rich history behind it, it's Norrath. But EverQuest Next is giving its own spin to the lore. If you're tired of feeling left out and clueless in conversations about the Dragon War because you haven't had time to read through the 11 loree-books that have been published, you've got a chance to get in the know! EQHammer offers a handy Cliffs Notes-style overview that gives fans a foundation of the story, from the formation of the world up though the Combine Era. Go ahead and read through it to grab the major highlights, then you can delve into the full story in the e-books when you find larger chunks of spare time.

EQN plot summary
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ebookebookseqeq-nextEQNEQnexteverquestEverQuest-Nextfantasylorelore-overviewoverviewsandboxSOEsony-online-entertainmentMon, 20 Oct 2014 19:00:00 -0400319|20981343http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-latest-patch-packs-an-armored-pu/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-latest-patch-packs-an-armored-pu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/16/norrathian-notebook-landmarks-latest-patch-packs-an-armored-pu/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Wowsers! While we knew that September was a month of bug squashing and that meatier content updates would return to Landmark, this latest one seems extra juicy. It could just be that everything feels like a feast after a famine, but I think it's more than that -- and not just because it took multiple posts to announce the changes. Besides being tantalized with a bunch of new goodies right now, I get the impression that we are in for regular doses of content, content, and more content as the dev team revs up for open beta. And these changes are also glimpses into the ongoing development of EverQuest Next. Who doesn't love that?

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armorbuilding-materialseqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playheroic-movementLandmarklavanorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentsandboxSOEsonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookupdateweaponsThu, 16 Oct 2014 12:00:00 -0400319|20978275http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/norrathian-notebook-eq-nexts-workshop-collaborations/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/norrathian-notebook-eq-nexts-workshop-collaborations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/09/norrathian-notebook-eq-nexts-workshop-collaborations/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
Last month we embarked on the journey of corralling the remainder of the EverQuest Next Round Tables for you, adding the fifth installment to the previous four. But that last roundup did not quite bring us up to date. Why? It wasn't just a matter of space: There was a fundamental shift in the round table discussions that I felt warranted a separate Norrathian Notebook.

The next section of round tables were focused on the collaborative efforts of the devs and the community in building and shaping EverQuest Next. While there is a smattering of other topics sprinkled in, the bulk is dedicated specifically to the Norrathian races and building collaboration. As such, many of the polls were more time-sensitive; some have closed, and some were just more relevant to determining design direction during the specific The Workshop Show series. However, the information is still valuable, and opinions can still be shared on a number of the proposed questions. If you have an opinion on coloring, racial mounts, and architectural styles, this is the collection of inquiries for you.

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building-collaborationeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionraceracesrosie-rappaportround-tableround-table-round-upround-table-roundupround-uproundupsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookThe-WorkshopThe-Workshop-ShowThu, 09 Oct 2014 16:00:00 -0400319|20964457http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/betawatch-september-27-october-3-2014/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/betawatch-september-27-october-3-2014/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/03/betawatch-september-27-october-3-2014/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
The formal launch of RIFT's Nightmare Tide expansion has been delayed by two weeks, so that means it'll be keeping us company here in Betawatch for two more weeks! What else is new in the world of MMO testing?

What do I want to see in EverQuest Next and Landmark? I know that is a question that all of us have asked ourselves and each other. Heck, even the developers ask us this! It's a key component in the open development process; it is the discussion of these answers that lead to some great ideas. So in the hopes of sparking another meaningful conversation (and hopefully giving the devs a few ideas!), I'm going to detail five things that I desperately want to see in these upcoming titles. While most of these items are a wish list for both games, there are a couple that are title-specific. I am not going to dwell on those desires I have brought up in the past or things I have already talked at length on, such as player-written books, theme-enforced Islands, and larger landmasses of multiple islands for more seamless experience. Instead I hope to present seven more morsels of food for thought, and hopefully you'll add your ideas in as well.

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aaarche-agearcheageeqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq-next-landmarkeq2eqiieqneqn-landmarkeqnexteqnleverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nexteverquest-next-landmarkf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playlandmarknorrathnorrathian-notebookopinionpgcplayer-generated-contentpvpsandboxsandparksoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebooktriontrion-worldsxl-gamesxlgamesThu, 02 Oct 2014 14:00:00 -0400319|20970235http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/your-worship-of-everquest-nexts-deities-will-shape-the-world/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/your-worship-of-everquest-nexts-deities-will-shape-the-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/10/01/your-worship-of-everquest-nexts-deities-will-shape-the-world/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
The gods of Norrath are slated to return for EverQuest Next, and who players choose to worship will have a profound effect on the game itself.

Lead Content Designer Steve Danuser penned a lore blog to introduce Veeshan and the Nor'I for the upcoming fantasy MMO. He said that the team is striving to stick to the "thematic core" of Veeshan for her reimagining: "Veeshan looms large in our story. It wouldn't be an EverQuest game without her!" And while Veeshan is well known by fans, the Nor'l is a new figure, the world spirit of Norrath. The Nor'l gives birth to mortals and flows through the entire world, communicating only through song.

"Your actions in the world determine who controls territory and resources, and one of those key resources is the belief of Norrath's inhabitants," Danuser said. "How strong will Veeshan's influence grow after the Combine return to Antonica? Will the Nor'I be protected or exploited? These are questions that you'll get to decide through the choices you make in game."

Lore blog
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betadeitiesdeityeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-nextfantasygodsloresandboxsoesony-online-entertainmentSteve-DanuserWed, 01 Oct 2014 15:00:00 -0400319|20970748http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/soe-devs-on-everquest-nexts-life-of-consequence/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/soe-devs-on-everquest-nexts-life-of-consequence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/30/soe-devs-on-everquest-nexts-life-of-consequence/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
We've known for a while that SOE is cooking up some sort of emergent AI concoction for EverQuest Next. The company famously partnered with Storybricks last year to bring its fantasy NPCs to life, and a newly released video sheds a bit more light on what exactly that means.

The clip stems from a panel that was originally conducted at this year's SOE Live, which has now been distilled to a more manageable five-minute running time. Click past the cut to find out about EQN's lack of traditional quest hubs and how to make NPCs bow before your mighty axe of authority.

YouTube
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aiai-videoeqeq-nexteqneqn-aieqn-life-of-consequenceeqn-videoeverquesteverquest-nextfantasylife-of-consequencesandboxsoesony-online-entertainmentstorybricksvideoTue, 30 Sep 2014 19:00:00 -0400319|20970159http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/why-omeed-dariani-left-everquest-next/?utm_medium=feed&utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_campaign=Massively&ncid=rss_semi
http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/why-omeed-dariani-left-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/09/23/why-omeed-dariani-left-everquest-next/?utm_source=Feed_Classic&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Massively#comments
When SOE Brand Manager Omeed Dariani left the EverQuest Next team suddenly, there was no small amount of curiosity and speculation over his reasoning. Obviously he knew something that fans didn't, but what was it? He recently appeared on Reddit to briefly explain his departure, stating that it was the result of an ideological difference that could not be corrected. Dariani states that his immediate supervisors did not support the community-first structures that have been established for both Landmark and EverQuest Next, so he ultimately felt that he had no options beyond resigning in protest.

No personal issues were involved, contrary to some fan speculation, and Dariani was quite clear that his departure was entirely voluntary and he was in no way given an ultimatum. He maintains that he has the utmost respect for the teams still working on the games and that neither of them caused his departure. It might not be the happy news of another job just waiting in the wings that fans would like, but it at least explains why he left.